Firearm magazine lock

Abstract

In firearms which have a removable magazine feed, provision is made to insert a key operated safety magazine unit which replaces the existing magazine unit. The safety magazine unit locks itself into the magazine well of the firearm when actuated by a removable key. Locking of the safety magazine unit prevents its removal from the magazine well of the firearm and replacement by a magazine with live ammunition. Locking of the safety magazine unit also immobilizes the firing mechanism of the firearm. Immobilization results from an internal blocking of the breech or bolt action necessary for the weapon to be opened or fired. Installation of a safety magazine unit completely immobilizes the firearm preventing its unauthorized firing. The safety magazine unit does not interfere with any of the weapon's inherent safety features.

I claim: 
     
       1. In a firearm having receiving means for removably receiving a magazine containing cartridges, loading means for loading said cartridges in a firing chamber and trigger means for firing said cartridge, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) a member adapted for use with said receiving means, and   (b) a means for coacting with said loading means in order to prevent operation of said firearm when said member is in said receiving means,   said means for coacting with said loading means further comprising a means for locking said member into said receiving means in order to prevent removal of said member,   said means for locking further comprising a lock means for preventing operation of said means for locking,   said member including means for coacting with said trigger means in order to further prevent operation of said firearm when said member is in said receiving means.   
     
     
       2. In a firearm of claim 1 wherein: said receiving means is part of a rifle,   said means for coacting with said loading means is a multiple lead screw which engages a bolt portion of said loading means,   said means for locking said member comprises a latch means adapted for releasable engagement with said receiving means, and   said lock means is a pin operated tumbler lock.   
     
     
       3. In a firearm of clam 1 wherein: said receiving means is a part of an automatic pistol,   said means for coacting with said loading means is a slidable part,   said means for locking said member comprising a cam lever engaging a trigger slideway portion of said pistol,   said lock means comprises a pin operated tumbler lock, and said further means for coacting with said trigger means is an abutting portion of said cam lever.   
     
     
       4. In a firearm of claim 1 wherein: said receiving means is part of a blowback operated pistol,   said means for coacting with said loading means is a pin for releasably engaging said loading means,   said means for locking said member comprises a slide engaging a trigger slideway portion of said blowback pistol,   said lock means comprises a pin operated tumbler lock, and   said further means for coacting with said trigger means is an abutting portion of said slide.   
     
     
       5. In a firearm of claim 1, wherein: said receiving means is part of an automatic rifle   said means for coacting with said loading means is a pair of lugs which engage flanges of a bolt of said loading means,   said means for locking said member comprises a latch adapted for releasable engagement with a bolt lug slideway of said receiving means, and   said lock means is a pin operated tumbler lock.   
     
     
       6. In a firearm of claim 1 wherein: said receiving means is part of a blowback operated pistol,   said means for coacting with said loading means is a lug for releasably engaging said loading means,   said means for locking said member comprises a slide engaging a trigger slideway portion of said blowback pistol, and   said lock means comprises a pin operated tumbler lock.